DE102009054064A1 - Condensate drain system and condensate valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A condensate drainage system for at least one oil / water separator on a compressor with a condensate valve through which condensate can flow is specified. The condensate valve can be controlled via a solenoid valve for opening and closing. The outlet of the condensate valve opens into a condensate collector. The condensate valve through which the condensate can flow is designed in such a way that it also forms a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the outflowing condensate and allows direct discharge to the condensate collecting container on the outlet side. Furthermore, a condensate valve is specified which comprises a movable piston which can be pressed on the inlet side against an opening of a valve seat of small diameter when the condensate valve is closed by means of the solenoid valve. On the output side, the piston has a large diameter piston area or a large piston cross-sectional area, which is acted upon by the condensate via an overflow line when the condensate valve is opened by means of the solenoid valve. The overflow line can be formed by at least one passage channel extending axially through the piston.

Description

The invention relates to a Kondensablasssystem for at least one oil / water separator on a compressor and with a condensate valve for such a compressor or such a compressor unit.

High and medium pressure compressors include oil / water separators to separate oil and water from the compressed air before delivering compressed air to the consumer. In particular, such a condensate drainage system is designed as an automatic condensate drainage device, by means of which all oil / water separators on high and medium pressure compressors can be automatically dehydrated.

In some previously known condensate drainage systems, the control of the same by means of additional control air, and the system pressure of the compressor system is not reduced in the course of the discharge of the condensate. When draining the condensate thus sets a large drain volume, which can not be derived directly into a condensate collection, as previously in an additional container, the drained condensate must be relaxed. Due to the large drain volume, the system pressure of the compressor system drops, which suffers from the efficiency of the compressor system. When controlling the Kondensatablasssystems additional control air also additional lines are still provided, so that a total of a considerable effort for the realization of such a condensate drainage system is required.

In other applications, the condensate valves are not attached directly to the oil / water separators of the compressor system, but they are arranged separately for this purpose, to which optionally additional connecting lines between the oil / water separators and the condensate valves must be provided. This of course makes the construction more complex.

There are also condensate drainage systems in which the condensate is discharged directly via pilot operated solenoid valves with a very small nominal diameter. The solenoid valves with a small nominal diameter are very sensitive to contamination and also these medium and high pressure solenoid valves for the direct discharge of the condensate are finally expensive in their production costs. If one chooses with a larger nominal diameter instead of the solenoid valves with a small nominal diameter to avoid the tendency to fouling, so you get such a large drain volume that additional relaxation container for relaxation and damping as an intermediate container for the condensate are required.

There is also a condensate valve with integrated solenoid valve, which can be attached directly to an oil / water separator. However, such a condensate valve has an extremely complicated structure, is associated with high costs and is prone to failure, since sometimes very small line cross-sections are present in the condensate valve, which are prone to clogging.

Overcoming the above-described difficulties, therefore, the present invention has for its object to provide a Kondensatablasssystem for at least one oil / water on a compressor and a condensate valve, in which in a structurally poor manner a disturbance insensitive discharge of condensate without a significant impairment of the efficiency of the compressor system achieved in the most cost-effective manner possible.

According to the invention, on the one hand, a condensate drainage system for at least one oil / water separator is provided on a compressor with a condensate valve which can be flowed through by a condensate valve which can be actuated via a magnetic valve for opening and closing, the outlet of which opens out into a condensate collecting vessel, which is characterized in that the condensate flow-through condensate valve is designed such that it also forms a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the outflowing condensate and the output side allows an immediate discharge to the condensate collecting tank.

With the condensate drainage system according to the invention, a targeted discharge of the condensate of the oil / water separator at high and medium pressure compressors by a solenoid valve which serves to open a condensate valve arranged in the condensate drainage system and close to realize appropriate Kondensatablassvorgänge. Since in the condensate drainage system according to the invention, the condensate valve through which the condensate flows is at the same time a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the outflowing condensate, the pressure at the outlet side of the condensate valve can be considerably reduced compared to that at the inlet side and the system pressure. This makes it possible that one can derive the condensate on the output side of the condensate valve directly and without intermediate container in an associated condensate collecting tank. In the condensate drainage system according to the invention, the relaxation occurs when passing through the condensate valve, so that one no additional expansion tank needed, making the overall construction much easier and cheaper to represent. Since the pressure in the condensate valve is considerably reduced in the condensate drainage system according to the invention, cost-effective low-pressure components can be connected downstream of the condensate valve and enable a further cost reduction.

Preferably, the condensate valve on the output side has a cross-sectional constriction, preferably a nozzle, whereby a small discharge volume is always defined. This additional measure can ensure that the condensate can be discharged directly from the outlet of the condensate valve into a condensate collecting tank or a condensate tank without the need for a flash tank or silencer.

Further, according to the invention, a condensate valve is provided, which on the input side with at least one oil / water separator of a compressor is connected and openable via a solenoid valve for discharging condensate and closable and output side is connectable to a condensate collecting container, which is characterized in that the condensate valve comprises a movable piston, the input side is pressed against a small diameter opening of a valve seat closed by means of the solenoid valve and the piston on the output side has a large diameter piston surface which is acted upon by the opened by means of the solenoid valve condensate valve via an overflow through the condensate. Thanks to the movable piston of the condensate valve, which on the input side has a small cross-section and the output side has a large diameter piston surface, with the discharge of the condensate through the condensate valve, the pressure of the condensate without significantly affecting the system pressure of the compressor system is considerably reduced, and this diameter-sized piston surface is the condensate acted upon via an overflow line. With the condensate valve open, this overflow line allows targeted discharge of the condensate from the oil / water separator or the oil / water separators of a compressor system. By reducing the pressure in the condensate valve according to the invention is obtained in terms of technical equipment a simplified embodiment, since you need neither additional, intermediate discharge or flash tank still muffler devices. For the downstream of the condensate valve devices low-cost components can be used. Since no very small opening cross-sections are present in the condensate valve according to the invention for the condensate in the flow direction, also a risk of contamination can be largely avoided and you get a reliable operation of such a condensate valve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the overflow line may be formed as at least one through-channel extending axially through the piston, which is preferably arranged centrally. This simplifies the design of the condensate valve, since the overflow is integrated into the condensate valve and in particular in the piston itself. As a result, additional connection lines connected with additional installation effort can be avoided.

Preferably, the condensate valve on the output side has a cross-sectional constriction, which can be formed for example by a nozzle. The cross-sectional constriction can also be realized by the opening cross-section of the solenoid valve. In this way, the drainage volume / or the outflow quantity can be reliably controlled on the outlet side of the condensate valve according to the invention, which drains off directly to the condensate collecting tank.

Preferably, the condensate valve is direct, d. H. without interconnecting lines, connected to the least one oil / water separator. This allows the condensate valve to save space on a compressor mount. It also simplifies the assembly work as a whole.

According to a preferred embodiment, the condensate valve comprises two housing parts, an upper housing part and a lower housing part. Conveniently, the piston is movably received in the upper housing part, which has on the flow input side the valve seat forming the small-diameter opening. Hermetically sealingly closing can then be connected to the upper housing part coaxially a lower housing part, in which the cross-sectional constriction, preferably the nozzle, is formed in a leading to the outlet of the condensate valve channel.

With regard to the cross-sectional dimensions, the following condition has turned out to be essential: A1 / A4 <5

A1 denotes the cross section of the valve seat and A4 the cross section of the overflow line. This ratio should preferably be less than 5 to ensure reliable operating conditions with condensate drainage.

Preferably, in the condensate valve according to the invention with regard to the dimensioning should be complied with: p / 20 <(A3 - A2 + A1) / A1 <p / 2

In this case, the operating pressure is designated by p, the cross section of the valve seat by A1, the small piston cross section by A2 and the large piston cross section by A3.

This inequality implies that the system pressure, i. H. the pressure in the oil / water separator on the output side of the condensate valve should be reduced to an order of magnitude of 2 to 20 bar. The above statements thus define the required transmission ratio for the pressure reducer in dependence on the inlet pressure, wherein the pressure reducer is formed by the surfaces of the stepped piston with different sized cross-sectional areas.

In summary, in the case of the condensate drainage system according to the invention and the condensate valve provided according to the invention, it is essential that this drainage system requires no additional expansion and silencing device. For this purpose, it is essential in the inventive solution that the condensate valve which can be flowed through by the condensate is at the same time designed as a pressure reducer, for which purpose the condensate valve comprises, for example, a movable piston which has differently sized cross-sectional areas in associated chambers, by a considerable pressure reduction on passage through the condensate valve to realize. The condensate valve is further designed such that an immediate discharge of the condensate at the outlet in a condensate collecting container without intermediate relaxation device allows.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing with reference to preferred embodiments without any limiting character. In the drawing shows:

1 a schematic view of a condensate drainage system according to the invention, and

2A and 2 B schematic sectional views through preferred embodiments of a condensate valve according to the invention to illustrate its details of design.

In the figures of the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same reference numerals.

This in 1 schematically illustrated condensate drainage system comprises an oil / water separator 1 , which with a compressor 2 or with a flat stage of a compressor 2 is in a communicative relationship. Such oil / water separator 1 are known per se. On the output side is the oil / water separator 1 with a total of 3 Connected condensate valve through which the condensate of the oil / water separator 1 flows. The condensate valve 3 is opened and closed by a solenoid valve 4 controlled, which is in the example shown, a 2/2-way solenoid valve. This solenoid valve 4 is electrically controlled. In the condensate valve 3 is a cross-sectional constriction in the form of a nozzle 5 ( 13 ), which defines a small discharge volume, which is then the output side of the solenoid valve 4 directly into a condensate tank or condensate collector 6 is derived. This condensate drainage system according to the invention operates in such a way that the condensate discharge takes place in such a way that no discharge container or silencer is required.

Based on 2A and 2 B is a preferred embodiment of an in 1 schematically with 3 designated condensate valve explained. As previously described, the condensate valve is 3 on the input side at least with an oil / water separator 1 connectable and via a solenoid valve 4 for the discharge of condensate openable and closable. On the output side is the condensate valve 3 with an in 1 clarified condensate collection container 6 connectable.

In particular, the condensate valve comprises 3 a movable piston 10 , the input side against a small diameter opening with a cross section A1 after 2 B by means of the solenoid valve 4 closed condensate valve 3 can be pressed, with this small diameter opening in a valve seat 11 is provided, in particular the sealing in the interior of the condensate valve 3 is provided. As in particular from 2 B It can be seen, it is the movable piston 10 around a so-called stepped piston, which seen in the direction of flow of the condensate on the input side has a diameter with a cross section A2 and the output side has a diameter with a cross section A3. The cross-sectional area A3 is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area A2 and therefore in the present invention designed condensate valve 3 with the help of this stepped piston 10 a pressure reducer formed, which according to the cross-sectional ratios A1, A2 and A3, a significant reduction of the output pressure against the inlet pressure of the condensate valve 3 is achieved.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the condensate valve 3 contains the moving piston 10 as overflow a passageway 12 , through which when the condensate valve is open 3 a condensate flows to the diameter-sized piston surface A3 and these acted upon. In 2A is the overflow line as an external connection line 12 in the area of the piston 10 for example, trained. As further out 2A and 2 B can be seen, is in the outlet of the condensate valve 3 provided a cross-sectional constriction, which there in particular in the form of a nozzle 13 ( 5 ) is trained. With the help of this cross-sectional constriction or nozzle 13 can be a small drain volume of the condensate valve 3 define, allowing a direct discharge into the condensate tank 6 without intervening facilities, such as relief tank, silencer or the like can be done and realized.

As further from the 2A and 2 B can be seen, is the condensate valve according to the invention 3 preferably designed in several parts. It includes an upper housing 14 in which the piston 10 or the stepped piston 10 is movably received, and which flow input side of the small diameter opening forming valve seat 11 having. Tight closing with the upper housing 14 Coaxial is a housing base 15 connected, in which cross-sectional constrictions, such as the nozzle 13 ( 5 ) in one to the outlet of the condensate valve 3 leading channel is formed.

With regard to in 2 B schematically entered cross-sectional areas A1 to A4, the following is essential. With regard to a trouble-free flow-through operation, the following conditions must be met: A1 / A4 <5

With regard to the dimensioning and in particular with regard to the pressure reduction in the condensate valve according to the invention 3 the following inequality should preferably be satisfied: p / 20 <(A3 - A2 + A1) / A1 <p / 2

In this equation, p is the operating pressure, with A1 the cross section or the opening cross section of the valve seat 11 , with A2 the small piston cross-section of the movable piston 10 and with A3 the large piston cross section of the movable stepped piston 10 designated. This information indicates that the operating pressure (the pressure in the oil / water separator) 1 to be reduced to 2 to 20 bar. This information thus defines the required transmission ratio for the pressure reducer as a function of the operating pressure or inlet pressure.

In the embodiment according to 2A is only the cross-sectional area A4 corresponding to 2 B entered.

With reference to the above described details of the condensate drain system and the condensate valve 3 according to the invention is summarized such a design that at the output of each oil / water separator 1 a condensate valve is connected and installed substantially immediately without intermediary devices. The condensate valve 3 is via a 2/2-way solenoid valve 4 pneumatically controlled. The outputs of the solenoid valve 4 open into the condensate tank or condensate collector 6 ,

As in particular from the 2 can be seen, is in the upper housing part 14 of the condensate valve 3 a, movable in the longitudinal direction and the upper housing part 14 sealed piston 10 arranged, which is designed in the form of a stepped piston. At the bottom, the upper housing part 14 through a lower housing part 15 closed and sealed with appropriate sealing elements.

In operation is the condensate valve 3 closed by the upper cone of the piston 10 into the small diameter aperture (A1) in the valve seat 11 is pressed. The sealing of the valve seat 11 opposite the oil / water separator 1 and opposite the upper housing part 14 takes place with the aid of each schematically illustrated, but unspecified sealing elements.

Below, the operation will be discussed briefly. The condensate valve 3 acts as a pressure reducer and the pressure reducer ratio results from the ratio between the inlet pressure p and the outlet pressure, which by the corresponding ratios of small diameter opening (A1) on the valve seat 11 and the piston cross-sectional areas A2 and A3 is formed. Due to the cross-sectional constriction in the form of the nozzle 13 ( 5 ) in the channel 16 on the outlet side of the condensate valve 3 can be defined a small drain volume, which then a direct derivative of the solenoid valve 4 in the condensate tank 6 allowed. Here, the condensate drain is so gentle that no discharge tank or silencer is required. As a result of the lowered pressure the condensate valve can 3 Components and assemblies are downstream, which may be low-cost low-priced components.

The condensate drainage system according to the invention operates in such a way that when switching on the compressor 2 the solenoid valves 4 closed and in the system, the pressure increases. By the design of the stepped piston 10 the increasing pressure creates one towards the valve seat 11 directed pressure force on the piston 10 and this will be against the valve seat 11 pressed. The condensate valve 3 is closed and the compressor 2 builds up its operating pressure and can promote compressed air.

To the condensate drain is the solenoid valve 4 opened for a short time, causing a pressure drop in the space below the piston 10 comes, so the condensate valve 3 by a downward movement of the piston 10 is opened. Thus, the condensate through the serving as overflow conduits flow channels 12 in the piston 10 or externally (see 2A ) from the oil / water separator 1 flow out and it acts on the cross-sectional large piston area A3 of the piston 10 , The condensate can then pass through the nozzle 13 ( 5 ) directly into the condensate tank 6 reach. Will the solenoid valve 4 closed again, so can the pressure below the piston 10 rise again and the condensate valve 3 is, as already described, closed. When the compressor system is shut down, it will or will all solenoid valves 4 open so that also the condensate valve (s) 3 be opened. In this way, the entire compressor system is vented.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is of course not limited to the details described therein, but numerous modifications and modifications are possible, which will be made by those skilled in the art, if necessary, without departing from the spirit.

Claims (10)

Condensate drainage system for at least one oil / water separator ( 1 ) on a compressor ( 2 ) with a condensate valve through which condensate can flow ( 3 ), which via a solenoid valve ( 4 ) can be controlled to open and close, the output in a condensate collecting container ( 6 ), characterized in that the condensate flow through the condensate valve ( 3 ) is designed such that it also forms a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the outflowing condensate and the output side an immediate discharge to the condensate collecting container ( 6 ). Condensate drainage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the condensate valve ( 3 ) on the output side a cross-sectional constriction, preferably a nozzle ( 13 ) for determining a small bleed volume. Condensate valve, which on the input side with at least one oil / water separator ( 1 ) of a compressor ( 2 ) and via a series-connected solenoid valve ( 4 ) for discharging condensate can be opened and closed and on the output side with a condensate collecting container ( 6 ), characterized in that the condensate valve ( 3 ) a movable piston ( 10 ), the input side against a small diameter opening (A1) of a valve seat ( 11 ) by means of the solenoid valve ( 4 ) closed condensate valve ( 3 ) is depressible and that the piston ( 10 ) has on the output side a larger diameter piston surface (A2, A3), which by the means of the solenoid valve ( 4 ) opened condensate valve ( 3 ) is acted upon via an overflow through the condensate. Condensate valve according to claim 3, characterized in that the overflow line at least as an axially through the piston ( 10 ), preferably in the middle, extending through-channel ( 12 ) is trained. Condensate valve according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that on the outlet side a cross-sectional constriction, preferably a nozzle ( 13 ), to control the drainage volume and quantity directly into the condensate collector ( 6 ) condensate flow is provided. Condensate valve according to one of claims 3-5, characterized in that the condensate valve ( 3 ) directly with the at least one oil / water separator ( 1 ) is connectable. Condensate valve according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the piston ( 10 ) in an upper housing part ( 14 ) is received in a movable manner, which on the flow input side, the valve seat forming the small-diameter opening ( 11 ) having. Condensate valve according to claim 7, characterized in that with the upper housing part ( 14 ) hermetically sealing coaxially a housing lower part ( 15 ), in which the cross-sectional constriction, preferably the nozzle ( 13 ), in a channel leading to the outlet of the condensate valve ( 16 ) is trained. Condensate valve according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the following applies: A1 / A4 <5 where A1 is the cross-section of the valve seat ( 11 ) and with A4 the cross section of the overflow line ( 12 ). Condensate valve according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the following applies with regard to the dimensioning: p / 20 <(A3 - A2 + A1) / A1 <p / 2 where with p the operating pressure, with A1 the cross-section of the valve seat ( 11 ), A2 denotes the small piston cross-section and A3 the large piston cross-section.

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